The West End of Grace Bay Beach is popular for its wide stretches of sand and less crowded areas to enjoy the magical water of Turks and Caicos
For those of you not familiar with the layout of our world famous Grace Bay Beach, here’s a quick overview to get your bearings (here’s a link to a map of our location, too):
The beach stretches for several miles in an west-to-east direction along the north coast of the island of Providenciales. It forms a gentle half moon shape. By and large, the entire beach is fantastic with easy entry, typically calm waters, and truly magical colors and clarity. A reef – the 3rd largest in the world – lies about a half mile off shore and ‘inside the reef’ is a protected national park. There are various coral patches that attract alot of undersea life and make great snorkeling spots, the most notable being Coral Gardens on the western end of the beach, where West Bay Club is located.
Generally, there are 3 ‘neighborhoods’ along Grace Bay. The eastern end is mostly residential; the central portion (roughly, from Ocean Club East to the Alexandra) is where most of the hotels, condos and businesses are; and the western end (starting at about where Beaches resort is located) is a mix, but less densely populated both residentially and in the number of hotels here.
As our name implies, we are on the western end of the beach. We like being on the western end for a lot of reasons.
1) It seems to be a bit wider than other parts of the beach to the east of us. There’s plenty of room to relax and spread out (and, the fact that WBC only has about 50 rooms means it will always be a bit less crowded).
2) We are close to Coral Gardens (less than 10 minute walk) and to the other great snorkeling spot on the island, Smith’s Reef (about 12 minute walk further to the west). Our guests love the easy access to these spots and all the fun stuff they can see there.
There's plenty to do right in front of WBC - Hobie Cats, kayaks, motorized underwater sea doos -- and great snorkeling just a short stroll down the beach.
3) There are fewer resorts and hotels near us than in other parts of Grace Bay so the beach feels less crowded (not that any part of Grace Bay Beach ever feels “crowded”). But as you will see from the comments from one guest below, people enjoy their space!
4) We are close to a great beach side park, just to the west of us. There’s kids playground equipment and it’s right across from our island’s Environmental Center, which is an interesting and helpful place to learn about all sorts of environmental aspects of our island and ocean.
5) There are some great restaurants within easy walking distance – such as Bagatelle at the Gansevoort (right next door to the west); Simba at Turks and Caicos Club (next door to the east), and Somewhere on the Beach, right in front of Coral Gardens. Of course, there’s our own Atlantic Bar & Grill right on property, which serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a nice friendly bar, too!
6) There’s a great wind sports location just to the east of us. Wind surfers, Hobie Catters and kite boarders love the protected little area that seems to generate just the right winds for them to have a ball.
The bottom line is you can’t go wrong on Grace Bay Beach and we are happy to offer to you an expansive stretch of it right at your doorstep. But don’t just take our word on it – here’s a comment from a guest that recently enjoyed the west end, too!
One of the reasons I like the West Bay Club over other resorts is due to the beach that resides immediately in front. It is the widest part of Grace Bay. This helps your privacy since the next lounge chair is not two feet away from you. The Beach attendant will go beyond the norm to help you to set up under a pre-made straw hut or he’ll put up an umbrella just for you where ever you want. Relax on one of their rafts and you might get lucky and a turtle might swim under you. The harmless stingrays will definitely go by.
There is great snorkeling about a 10 minute walk at the Alexandria National Park which is a protected reef right off the beach. The resort has snorkeling gear free of charge. Did I mention all the little things make you enjoy more? They also have a SeaDoo Sea Scooter. Try saying that 10 times real fast. It’s a little device that you hold and it propels you through the water. We were impressed Dane, the General Manager of the resort, approached us often to make sure we were enjoying our stay. He even took us out on the large Hobbie Kat they have.
Work out at WBC while you look out over our inviting pool area.
Just because you’re on a great beach vacation at West Bay Club, that doesn’t mean you can slack off on your New Year’s resolution to stay fit and live better (well, staying with us at WBC will certainly help you live better for the time you are with us!).
We have a workout facility on site that includes a variety of weight and aerobic machines ideal to break a quick sweat and get the heart pumping. It includes 2 treadmills, a stationary bike and an arc trainer. We also have a leg extension machine, a dumbbell rack, some free weights and an adjustable bench press. The center include mats and exercise balls, too. Best of all it overlooks our beautiful pool area (great motivation to want to look good in your bathing suit).
If you need something a bit more intense or structured, there are excellent options nearby. Next door at Gansevoort Resort is the Exhale Spa which offers regularly scheduled aerobics, yoga, pilates, core fusion, and other cardio classes. Not far away closer to Turtle Cove Marina, is Wrightfully Fit, a full service fitness center run by a professional trainer. It has all the ‘bells and whistles’ for a complete workout and excellent instructors.
We can even arrange to have you meet with one of the island’s personal trainers while you are here to set up a customized workout plan for you.
Of course, perhaps the best – and most relaxing – workout is a walk or jog down Grace Bay Beach. You’ll enjoy the unbelievable natural beauty of our setting, and get a some exercise, too.
So – there are no excuse to leave your workout regime at home when you check in at WBC.
Record crowds of visitors and residents visited Blue Hills on Saturday November the 28th, to take part in the sixth annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival. The event has become a traditional occurrence and celebrates the island’s conch-based culinary creation. During the showcase event, 25 of the local restaurants competed to create the tastiest and original conch dishes.
“The weather cooperated, people showed up in record numbers, and we had tremendous support from all the restaurants, hotels and local businesses,” said Mike Sottak the Conch Festival president.
Food was not the only attraction, entertainment highlights included the Haitian Brass Marching Band kicking of the festivities, followed by The Five Cays Under the Tree Ripsaw Band.
Champion Conch Blower & WBC Guest
There were special competitions for conch blowing and conch knocking. Dan Petrovitch, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Petrovitch who spent this fun week at West Bay Club, was awarded the prize for the longest blow and Phil Robinson Jr was given the prize for best melody. Latran Handfield won first prize in the conch knocking contest.
A special appearance by three-time world heavyweight boxing champ Michael Moore thrilled the crowds. Michael was one of the celebrity judges and we were delighted to have him and his lovely wife as our guests at WBC . Michael was gracious enough to interact with our guests and even more, he let our friend and guest, Dr. Garr Doyle to try his World Championship belt…You be the judge!
A romantic getaway for two, a special birthday or the magic of finally being able to spend some quality time with your family.
We can help you make this celebration one to remember for ever! West Bay Club has joined forces with the unbelievably talented team from “Brilliant by Tropical Imaging” to offer you some very special experiences.
Water Escape
It’s an adventure that you get to keep! A half-day private boat and outer island adventure, twelve years in the making, exclusive and one of a kind experience that includes everything – boat, captain, lunch, drinks, exciting locations, underwater and land cameras and then to top it off a magnificent coffee table storybook and all images on disk. Brilliant’s two person team will come with you on the trip and discreetly and candidly help capture some astounding moments. Designed to be effortless, easygoing, relaxed Brilliant’s team will make the hardest moment being when it all has to end! $3400
Island Escape
Give yourselves a little extra fun and adventure! Spend time with the Brilliant team as they take you to their favorite hidden spots. Using the island as your backdrop you can explore, have fun and capture unique moments at the same time. Bring your swimsuits and jump in the water – let your story unfold. The ultimate family gift. $1650
Basic A personalized photography session, utilizing the beautiful tropical light and surroundings of the West Bay Club and beach. It’s fun, relaxed, quick and very, very easy. $299
All of the above can be just stills, just movies or a signature “vivid story”.
How do you make a reservation?
Just call Anita on (649) 946 4059. She can tell you all about our session options, and answer any questions you may have. Or you can email her – anita @ brilliant.tc. Payment for the session is required to confirm your date and time on the Brilliant calendar.
West Bay Club is a proud sponsor of the annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival, and will even be hosting one of the event’s “celebrity judges” (these are the lucky folks who get to sample all the great conch dishes on display at the festival and pick the winners). Our guest is 3-time heavyweight boxing world champion Michael Moorer.
Michael reigned over the heavyweight division in the 1990s and won the championship belt on three separate occasions. He amassed a career record of 52-4-1, winning 52 bouts by knockout. One of those losses was to George Foreman in 1994, his first professional loss ever. He had started his career with 26 consecutive wins by knockout, one of the best streaks in professional boxing history.
Since retiring in 2004, Michael has been a color commentator on ESPN and has trained the likes of Oscar DeLeHoya and current ‘pound for pond’ champion Manny ‘Pac Man’ Pacquiao. Michael has also worked as a body guard for Tiger Woods.
We’re sure “the champ’ will enjoy the hospitality, serenity and great beachfront setting here at WBC, and we look forward to admiring his championship belt (which he promises to bring along).
The Conch Festival is November 28 in the Blue Hills area of Providenciales. Plan on making a day of it and take part in a fun island tradition.
We love the winter time in Turks and Caicos. Watching the news clip on TV of all those blizzards up north, relaxing on our miles of uncrowded white beaches, and chuckling to ourselves about what it must be like to wear shoes and socks. But we also love the fact that it’s ever easier for our friends suffering in colder climes to visit us.
That’s because the airlines that service TCI add extra flights each winter from the beginning of December to the end of March, and many of these winter flights are direct from major North American cites to here.
So if you are living in or near Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal, there are non-stop flights to get you from your chilly cities to our beach in time for an afternoon cocktail and a beautiful sunset. No connections, no delays – right from Point A to Pont B.
From Boston, American Airlines and US Airwaysboth offer non-stop service on Saturdays that will get you here in time for lunch.
From New York, Americanwill fly you non-stop every day from JFK, with some flights arriving before noon.
Philly Pholks can use US Airways’ direct service on Saturdays and Sundays to get here in time for the second half of the Eagles games.
Our friends north of the border have lots of new options, too.
Air Canada has expanded it service with non stop flights from Ottawa (Mondays), Montreal (Thursdays) and Toronto (Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays). West Jet has direct flights from Toronto on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
Or course all those airlines have great connecting service to other cities in the US and Canada, too.
And, we still have our year round daily direct service from Charlotte (US Airways), Miami (American), and Atlanta (Delta).
So start surfing the web for a flight and come join us at the balmy West Bay Club.
On November 29, local fitness center Wrightfully Fit is holding its first annual Charity Run, benefiting the Provo Children’s Home. It features two races – a 5K and a 10K - that are designed for all ages and abilities. Both courses go right past us here at West Bay Club and runners/walkers will have a great seaside view as they wind through the area of the island we call The Bight.
The runs (you can walk, too) begin at 6:30AM (10K) and 7:00 am (5K), They both end at the Wrigthfully Fit fitness center – which is not far from West Bay Club (and an excellent all around fitness center with personal training and scheduled classes available, in addition to a well equipped gym).
The best part about the event is that it benefits a great cause – the Provo Children’s Home. The PCH is a purpose built facility that will house kids on the island who are in need in care or shelter than cannot be provided for them at home for whatever reason, including parent-less situations. It’s a real grass roots effort and many, many dedicated people have been involved with the project. They are entirely self funded so charity event such as this mean a lot as they put the finishing touches on the new home and hope to be open by the holidays.
Registration fees for the event, which all go to the PCH, are $30 for kids under 18 and $60 for folks 19 and over. For more information, contact the Wrightfully Fit fitness center at 649 941 3311 or email John at jwrigthfullyfit@yahoo.com.
Across the street from West Bay Club is the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources (DECR). The building includes an educational Environmental Centre where you can learn all sorts of things about the environment here and the wildlife which calls our island home.
One particular sea creature that is frequent visitor to the waters right in front of West Bay Club is the sea turtle. The DECR has been actively monitoring and analyzing the behaviour of the sea turtles that reside here, including the loggerhead (pictured) and the green sea turtle. In fact, a female green turtle, named Suzie, was the first turtle to be fitted with a satellite tag in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and arrived recently in the coastal waters of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), after just over two weeks of migrating across open ocean from TCI. What a journey!
The latest data from Suzie’s tag suggests she is now resting between the islands of Jost van Dyke and Tortola in the BVI, also a UK Overseas Territory. Suzie was satellite tagged and released off East Caicos in late June by the Turks and Caicos Islands Turtle Project a collaborative initiative between the DECR and the School for Field Studies (SFS) in TCI, and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and the University of Exeter in the UK.
“This is the first time we have tracked an adult green turtle migration from the Turks and Caicos Islands and it is amazing to see that Suzie headed straight to our friends in the BVI,” said Wesley Clerveaux, Director of the DECR. “We have been in touch with our colleagues in the Conservation and Fisheries Department there and they will be keeping an eye out for her.”
Suzie’s tag could last for up to a year. When she surfaces to breathe, the tag transmits signals to satellites orbiting in space, and these signals reveal her location. The project team hopes to tag a total of six turtles in TCI and will track their migrations remotely via the internet using SEATURTLE.ORG’s ground-breaking programme known as STAT. STAT communicates with the satellite system to plot online maps of the turtles movements each day. The maps, pictures of the turtles and more information can be viewed online at www.mcsuk.org
This exciting and pioneering project will reveal new information about the Turks and Caicos Islands’ marine turtle populations. The DECR encourages TCI Islanders to follow Suzie’s progress online, and respectfully urges anyone who sees any signs of turtle nesting in TCI to report their sightings to the DECR.
Great job by the entire DECR team for their work in studying and protecting all the sea life in the Turks and Caicos!
A satellite tagged green turtle swam 900km in 28 days, visiting three UK overseas territories and revealing the migration routes taken by the species.
The turtle, named Suzie by scientists, was released from the Turks and Caicos Islands at the end of June.
She spent two months in their waters before starting to migrate.
Scientists plan to tag six turtles, aiming to reveal the full range of the endangered green turtle and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle.
Two male hawksbill turtles have been tagged within the past week, the most recent on Wednesday night local time.
Scientists from the Turks and Caicos Islands Turtle Project have secured satellite transmitter tags to the animals’ shells. These transmit when the turtles surface to breathe.
Satellites receive the signals and calculate their locations. Scientists on the Turks and Caicos Islands will track the turtles’ movements via the internet, using the a computer programme which can plot online maps of the animals’ movements each day.
Record crowds of visitors and residents visited Blue Hills on Saturday November the 28th, to take part in the sixth annual 
unbelievably talented team from “Brilliant by Tropical Imaging” to offer you some very special experiences.
island as your backdrop you can explore, have fun and capture unique moments at the same time. Bring your swimsuits and jump in the water – let your story unfold. The ultimate family gift. $1650
Children’s Home. It features two races – a 5K and a 10K - that are designed for all ages and abilities. Both courses go right past us here at West Bay Club and runners/walkers will have a great seaside view as they wind through the area of the island we call The Bight.
DECR has been actively monitoring and analyzing the behaviour of the sea turtles that reside here, including the loggerhead (pictured) and the green sea turtle. In fact, a female green turtle, named Suzie, was the first turtle to be fitted with a satellite tag in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and arrived recently in the coastal waters of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), after just over two weeks of migrating across open ocean from TCI. What a journey!
revealing the migration routes taken by the species.